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Expression of CD44 isoforms in human prostate tumor cell lines
J W Stevens1, P L Palechek, T L Griebling
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242-1009, USA.
Abstract:
We have examined the expression of the transmembrane glycoproteins CD44 in four human prostate tumor cell lines. Expression was examined at the protein level by flow cytometric analysis and Western blot, and at the mRNA level by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). All four cell lines (DU145, LNCaP, PC3, and ND1) expressed the standard CD44 isoform (CD44s) at the mRNA level and all cell lines except LNCaP expressed CD44s at the protein level. All four cell lines contained one or more isoforms containing the v6 region (exon 10) at the mRNA level, which has been associated with metastatic potential. However, a subpopulation of LNCaP and ND1 cells showed protein expression of v6. In addition, soluble CD44 isoforms were identified in cultured supernatants from all cell lines except LNCaP. These results show that CD44 isoforms are expressed on human prostate tumor cell lines, including the expression of variant isoforms containing the v6 region, and provide a rationale for the further study of this cellular adhesion molecule in prostate cancer. In addition, preliminary results indicate altered expression of CD44 in human prostatic adenocarcinomas examined immunohistochemically.
Insights
CD44 standard and variant isoforms, including v6, are expressed in human prostate tumor cell lines. This suggests CD44
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- CD44 is a cell surface glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion and migration.
- Aberrant CD44 expression is implicated in various cancers, including prostate cancer.
- Specific CD44 isoforms, particularly those containing the v6 region, are associated with tumor metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of CD44 isoforms in human prostate tumor cell lines.
- To determine the presence of standard (CD44s) and variant (including v6) CD44 isoforms at both mRNA and protein levels.
- To explore the potential role of CD44 in prostate cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Utilized four human prostate tumor cell lines: DU145, LNCaP, PC3, and ND1.
- Analyzed CD44 expression at the protein level using flow cytometry and Western blot.
- Assessed CD44 mRNA expression via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Main Results:
- All four cell lines expressed CD44 standard isoform (CD44s) mRNA; protein expression was observed in three lines (DU145, PC3, ND1).
- Variant CD44 isoforms containing the v6 region were detected at the mRNA level in all cell lines.
- Protein expression of v6 was found in subpopulations of LNCaP and ND1 cells, and soluble CD44 isoforms were detected in supernatants (except LNCaP).
Conclusions:
- Human prostate tumor cell lines express diverse CD44 isoforms, including the v6-containing variant.
- The presence of CD44 isoforms, particularly v6, in prostate cancer cell lines warrants further investigation.
- Preliminary immunohistochemical data suggest altered CD44 expression in human prostatic adenocarcinomas.